Shocking: Teacher slapped a 6-year-old boy who failed to do homework — child collapsed and died
A classroom security camera captured a teacher slapping a 6-year-old boy for failing to complete his homework. Shortly after, the child collapsed and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The family claims the boy was healthy and is demanding accountability for his death.
A six-year-old boy died on Thursday after collapsing in a classroom at a private school in Visakhapatnam, southeastern India, shortly after a teacher was seen slapping him. A security camera recorded the incident, which has sparked outrage across India and triggered both a police investigation and an inquiry by education authorities. At this stage, it has not yet been determined if there is a direct causal link between the slap and the child's death.
The child, Tamana Pranay Teja, was a student at the Little Garden School in Visakhapatnam, a major port city in the state of Andhra Pradesh. According to the Indian news magazine The Week, the teacher allegedly scolded the boy for failing to complete his homework.
In the security footage, Pranay is seen standing in front of the teacher while holding his writing board. The teacher pulls him closer and slaps him on the face. Shortly thereafter, the child collapses. According to reports, school staff rushed him to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
His family claims that the child left for school that morning in good health and did not suffer from any known medical conditions. Family members blame the teacher for his death and are demanding severe disciplinary action against her and the school administration. Relatives and local residents staged a protest at the King George Hospital, where the boy's body was transferred.
The child's father stated that it was Pranay who insisted on going to school that day, despite the family's preference that he stay home. Hours later, the family was notified of his death.
Police have opened an investigation following the family's complaint. The Times of India reported that a criminal case has been filed against the school. Investigators are currently examining the circumstances of the collapse and the conduct of the staff before and after the child lost consciousness. Despite initial reports suggesting a possible cardiac event, the exact cause of death remains unknown.
The matter has reached the senior levels of the Andhra Pradesh state government. Education Minister Nara Lokesh described the child's death as a "most regrettable" event and promised legal action against those found responsible, as well as against the school administration.
"The state government will stand by Pranay's family and ensure justice is served," the minister stated.
In parallel to the criminal investigation, the case has reignited national debate regarding corporal punishment and the supervision of staff conduct in private schools.
